Arizona Cardinals report card: Carson Palmer carries offense

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15.(Photo: Michael Chow/The Republic)

azcentral sports NFL writer Bob McManaman grades the Cardinals from their Sunday game against the 49ers.

Passing offense: B-

If it wasn’t for all the sacks and hits the 49ers were able to deliver on Carson Palmer, this might have been an “A” grade. The offensive line remains a sieve. Palmer did his best to try and avoid all the pressure and smartly took a few sacks to avoid turnovers, but his blockers let him get sacked six times overall, including four times in the fourth quarter. Palmer lived to tell about it, though, passing for 357 yards and the game-winning TD. Andre Ellington (nine catches, 86 yards) and Jaron Brown (eight catches, 105 yards) came up huge.

Rushing offense: D

Chris Johnson had his moments on Sunday, but things evened out the way they’ve been evening out all season, and this unit continues to prove itself ineffective. The Cardinals finished with just 51 yards on 22 total carries – a disappointing 2.3 yards a rush – and you can probably expect that trend to continue as long as David Johnson remains out with that wrist injury that required surgery.

Pass defense: B+

When you keep the opposing quarterback from throwing a touchdown, you’re going to get high marks. Brian Hoyer passed for 234 yards and kept the 49ers in the game, but he never found the end zone, was intercepted once (Antoine Bethea) and sacked three times for 24 yards. Tyrann Mathieu and Olsen Pierre each had one sack, and Frostee Rucker and Xavier Williams combined for another. Chandler Jones hit Hoyer three times, but the worry is how badly fellow outside linebacker Markus Golden injured his right knee. He got hurt in overtime during a pass rush.

Rushing defense: B-

They still haven’t allowed an opposing team to rush for 100 or more yards – the 49ers finished with 95 as a team – and more important, the Cardinals didn’t allow a rushing touchdown. Carlos Hyde finished with 68 yards on 16 carries. They basically held him to his average from his first three games, which was 61.6 yards.

Special teams: B+

Punter Andy Lee was much better, save for perhaps one punt that didn’t affect the outcome of the game. He averaged 48.8 net yards per kick and boomed a 60-yarder late in the game. The real story here, though, was kicker Phil Dawson, who atoned for three missed field goals in his first three games by making all four of his attempts in this game. He connected from 29, 43, 50 and 32 yards, and the snaps and the holds were perfect. The Cardinals still aren’t getting much of anything out of their punt return, and their coverage teams lacked tackling in both areas. That’s why the unit didn’t get an “A” grade.

Coaching: B

Bruce Arians virtually dared his players to go out and win a close game to prove to themselves they could do it, and he got what he asked for. Good thing it didn’t backfire. There were a few decisions that you could second-guess, but nothing so major as to waste any words over it. Harold Goodwin has to find a way to get the re-arranged offensive line to play better, which will be difficult due to injuries. For Palmer’s survival, however, it has to happen.

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) talks with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during overtime against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) takes a hit from San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) while throwing an interception during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals Phil Dawson is congratulated by his teammates after kicking a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) gives his gloves to a fan after overtime against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals Tyrann Mathieu spits during a timeout against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) pitches the ball to San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) celebrates his interception with cornerback Rudy Ford (30) against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is hit by San Francisco 49ers DeForest Buckner in the first half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dekoda Watson (97) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive back K'Waun Williams (24) after a catch during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong intercepts a pass in the endzone from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer in the first half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) watches his field goal go through against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) celebrates with holder Andy Lee (2) after a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) breaks a tackle by San Francisco 49ers free safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) after a catch during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) during the third quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals Deone Bucannon (20) breaks-up the pass to San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida in the second half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) lays on the ground in pain during overtime against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan waits for a call by the referees during overtime against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald runs to the locker room after making a touchdown catch in the endzone to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 18-15in overtime on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals during overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer reacts in pain as Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones sacks him in the second half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown is ruled to be out-of-bounds as he make a catch in the back corner on the endzone against the San Francisco 49ers in overtime on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

San Francisco safety Lorenzo Jerome reacts Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald made a touchdown catch in the endzone to defeat the 49ers 18-15 in overtime on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals players signal for help after Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) caught the game-winning pass against the San Francisco 49ers in overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The Cardinals won 18-15. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson waves to the cheering fans after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 18-15 in overtime on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is pressured by San Francisco 49ers DeForest Buckner in the first half on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians gives a thumbs-up to a young fan against the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 1, 2017 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) runs around the field in an outfit before playing against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The quarterbacks have traditionally had the loser of a throwing competition during practice have to wear an outfit on the field before the next game. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) runs around the field in an outfit before playing against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The quarterbacks have traditionally had the loser of a throwing competition during practice have to wear an outfit on the field before the next game. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs a route against cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during pre-game warmups before playing against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) sits on a cooler during pre-game warmups before playing against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians stands with his players during the National Anthem before playing against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) reaches for a pass while defended by Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The pass went incomplete. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) drops a possible interception against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jaron Brown (13) runs with the ball while tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) after a catch during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) makes a move on San Francisco 49ers free safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) after a catch during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) makes an apparent touchdown catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. It was overturned after replay review. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians reacts after an overturned touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) and San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) go up for a pass during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. The pass fell incomplete. Michael Chow/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws the ball while being hit by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic

San Francisco 49ers players stand and kneel during the National Anthem before playing against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. October 1, 2017. Michael Chow/The Republic